Bhutan Festival Dates 2022
Tshechu Is A Religious Festival Meaning “Tenth Day” Held Annually In Various Temples, Monasteries And Dzongs Throughout The Country.
The Tshechu is a religious event celebrated on tenth day of a month of the lunar calendar corresponding to the birthday of Guru Rimpoche (Guru Padmasambhava). However the exact month of the Tshechu varies from place to place and temple to temple.
Tshechus are grand events where entire communities come together to witness religious mask dances, receive blessings and socialize. . In addition to the mask dances tshechus also include colorful Bhutanese dances and other forms of entertainment.
It is believed that everyone must attend a Tshechu and witness the mask dances at least once to in order to receive blessings and wash away their sins. Every mask dance performed during a Tshechu has a special meaning or a story behind it and many are based on stories and incidents from as long ago as the 8th century, during the life of Guru Padmasambhava. In monasteries the mask dances are performed by monks and in remote villages they are performed jointly by monks and village men.
Two of the most popular Tshechus in the country are the Paro and Thimphu Tshechus in terms of participation and audience. Besides the locals many tourists from across the world are attracted to these unique, colorful and exciting displays of traditional culture.
| Name | Town | Start Date | End Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Punakha Drubchen | Punakha | Mar 09, 2022 | Mar 11, 2022 |
| Punakha Tshechu | Punakha | Mar 12, 2022 | Mar 14, 2022 |
| Tharpaling Thongdrol | Bumthang | Mar 18, 2022 | |
| Zhemgang Tshechu | Zhemgang | Apr 09, 2022 | Apr 11, 2022 |
| Gasa Tshechu | Gasa | Apr 09, 2022 | Apr 11, 2022 |
| Gomphukora | Trashigang | Apr 09, 2022 | Apr 11, 2022 |
| Talo Tshechu | Punakha | Apr 09, 2022 | Apr 11, 2022 |
| Paro Tshechu | Paro | Apr 12, 2022 | Apr 16, 2022 |
| Rhododendron Festival | Thimphu | Apr 15, 2022 | Apr 17, 2022 |
| Chhorten Kora | Trashi Yangtse | Apr 30, 2022 | |
| Domkhar Tshechu | Bumthang | May 11, 2022 | May 13, 2022 |
| Ura Yakchoe | Bumthang | May 13, 2022 | May 17, 2022 |
| Nimalung Tshechu | Bumthang | Jul 07, 2022 | Jul 09, 2022 |
| Haa Summer Festival | Haa Valley | Jul 09, 2022 | Jul 10, 2022 |
| Kurjey Tshechu | Bumthang | Jul 09, 2022 | |
| Mushroom Festival | Thimphu | Aug 15, 2022 | Aug 16, 2022 |
| Tour of the Dragon (Bicycle Race) | Bumthang | Sep 03, 2022 | |
| Thimphu Drubchen | Thimphu | Oct 01, 2022 | |
| Wangdue Tshechu | Wangdue Phodrang | Oct 03, 2022 | Oct 05, 2022 |
| Tamshing Phala Chhoepa | Bumthang | Oct 05, 2022 | Oct 07, 2022 |
| Thimphu Tshechu | Thimphu | Oct 05, 2022 | Oct 07, 2022 |
| Gangtey Tshechu | Wangdue Phodrang | Oct 07, 2022 | Oct 09, 2022 |
| Thangbi Mani | Bumthang | Oct 08, 2022 | Oct 10, 2022 |
| Jhomolhari Mountain Festival | Thimphu | Oct 14, 2022 | Oct 15, 2022 |
| Jakar Tshechu | Bumthang | Nov 01, 2022 | Nov 03, 2022 |
| Chhukha Tshechu | Chukha | Nov 01, 2022 | Nov 03, 2022 |
| Dechenphu Tshechu | Thimphu | Nov 03, 2022 | |
| Jambay Lhakhang Drup | Bumthang | Nov 08, 2022 | Nov 12, 2022 |
| Prakhar Duchhoed | Bumthang | Nov 09, 2022 | Nov 11, 2022 |
| Black Necked Crane Festival | Wangdue Phodrang | Nov 11, 2022 | |
| Mongar Tshechu | Mongar | Dec 01, 2022 | Dec 03, 2022 |
| Trashigang Tshechu | Trashigang | Dec 01, 2022 | Dec 03, 2022 |
| Pemagatshel Tshechu | Pemagatshel | Dec 01, 2022 | Dec 03, 2022 |
| Jambay Lhakhang Singye Cham | Bumthang | Dec 07, 2022 | |
| Nalakhar Tshechu | Bumthang | Dec 08, 2022 | Dec 10, 2022 |
| Druk Wangyel Tshechu | Thimphu | Dec 13, 2022 | |
| Lhuentse Tshechu | Lhuentse | Dec 30, 2022 | Jan 01, 2023 |
| Trongsa Tshechu | Trongsa | Dec 30, 2022 | Jan 01, 2023 |
Tour programs booked and subsequently cancelled shall be subject to cancellation charges as follows:
Delayed Arrival / Departure
There shall be no charge for the number of days of delays in arrival or departure of visitors due to weather conditions, Druk Air or Bhutan Airlines problems or road blocks.
Visitors will be charged only the actual expenses on accommodation, food, transport and any other services required.
Bhutan’s tourism sector is regarded as one of the most exclusive travel destinations in the world. Bhutan enjoys a reputation for authenticity, remoteness and a well-protected cultural heritage and natural environment.
Bhutan Tourism Policy of the Royal Government of Bhutan is based on a concept of High Value & Low Impact. Founded on the principle of sustainability, tourism must be environmentally friendly, socially and culturally acceptable, and economically viable. The Royal Government of Bhutan recognizes that tourism is a world-wide phenomenon and an important means of achieving socioeconomic development, particularly for a developing country like Bhutan. It believes that tourism, in affording the opportunity to travel, can help to promote a deeper understanding among people and to strengthen ties of friendship based on a deeper appreciation and respect for different cultures and lifestyles.
Tourists are kept to a manageable level through a government regulated tourist tariff. This all inclusive tariff covers all food, accommodation (excluding resorts such as Aman Kora, Taj Tashi, Uma Paro & Uma Punakha, Le Meridien Thimphu and Zhiwa Ling Paro), transport and guide services. A portion of the tariff (currently 35%) helps to sustain the provision of free medical care and education for everyone in the country. All tour operators are subject to this all inclusive rate.
Every Nation Tours and Treks is a licensed tour operator as certified by the Tourism Council of Bhutan, and the Association of Bhutanese Tourism Operators.
Entire tour payment must be settled at least 6 weeks prior to date of arrival in Bhutan and VISA is cleared by Government subject to advance payment only.
Your funds are held in the government account and will not be released to Every Nation Tours and Treks until after your tour has taken place. This provides you with the security of knowing that your money is safe until your holiday takes place. If for any reason the trip doesn’t go ahead then the government will not give your money to Every Nation Tours and Treks but will return it to you (subject to any cancellation charges which apply if you have cancelled the trip).
Please deposit / transfer the payment to following Bank address;
Beneficiary Account: 0100062731001
SWIFT Code: BNBTBTBT.
EVERY NATION TOURS & TREKS.
Bhutan National Bank,
Thimphu Bhutan.
A wide variety of accommodation is available ranging from luxurious 5-star hotels to cozy little hotels and homestays in traditional Bhutanese homes and settings. Visitors can be assured of their warmth and comfort of the hotels. Similarly, the ambience and hospitality offered by the hotels are incredible.
The types of accommodations can be divided into:
1. Hotels
2. Resorts
3. Farm-stays
4. Home-stays
Additionally visitors embarking on long treks will be provided with tents and whatever other camping equipment is deemed necessary. Regardless of where they stay, visitors can be assured of their comfort and traditional Bhutanese hospitality.
Hotels
Bhutan has hundreds of hotels located all across the country. They range from small, simple and clean local hotels to luxurious resorts for affluent travelers seeking the ultimate getaway.
Hotels in Bhutan are rated according to a National 5 Star rating System. All Tour Operators are required to provide their guests with a minimum of 3 Star accommodations so you can be assured of your comfort. Most hotels provide their guests with Television, Room Service, Fitness Centers, Spas and Wi-fi. However the exact services available will vary from hotel to hotel.
Resorts
There are various Guesthouses located around the Bhutan. They are graded on the same scale as hotels. The exact services available can vary among Guesthouses.
Farm-stays
Visitors also have the option of spending a night in a traditional Bhutanese Farm House. Agriculture is still one of the major sources of livelihood amongst the Bhutanese people and a Farm-Stay will give you an excellent glimpse into the day-to-day life of a typical Bhutanese family.
You’ll be able to observe age old Bhutanese farming traditions as the family goes about its daily tasks. You’ll enjoy delicious home-cooked meals and the unparalleled hospitality of a Bhutanese host.
All officially sanctioned and listed Farm-stays are located in the gorgeous Bhutanese countryside amidst lush farmland far from the noise and crowds of population centers. In order to experience a traditional life, electricity and running water are not available at Farm-Stays. Hot water can be provided by the family but will be served in a wash basin/bowl.
Home-stays
Visitors have the option of spending a night in the traditional home of a Bhutanese family. A Home-Stay will give you an excellent glimpse into the day-to-day life of a typical Bhutanese family.
You’ll enjoy delicious home-cooked meals and the unparalleled hospitality of a Bhutanese host.
All officially sanctioned and listed home-stays are located in the gorgeous Bhutanese countryside, far from the noise and crowds of population centers. In order to experience a traditional life, electricity and running water are not available at Home-Stays. Hot water can be provided by the family but will be served in a wash basin/bowl.
Bhutan Tours Package Cost.
The minimum daily tour price is fixed by the Royal Government of Bhutan.
Rates for groups (3 persons minimum):
| minimum daily tour price | |
| peak season | USD 250 per person per night |
| off-season | USD 200 per person per night |
Rates for 2 persons:
| minimum daily tour price | |
| peak season | USD 280 + 30 per person per night |
| off-season | USD 230 + 30 per person per night |
Rates for individuals:
| minimum daily tour price | |
| peak season | USD 290 + 40 per person per night |
| off-season | USD 240 + 40 per person per night |
Peak season: March – May, September – November
Off-season: December – February, June – August
About Surcharges please visit: http://www.tourism.gov.bt/about-bhutan/surcharges
For groups of less than three, the Royal Government of Bhutan imposes surcharges. In the figure above, surcharges are separated from minimum daily tour prices, Please visit Tourism Department website: http://www.tourism.gov.bt/plan/minimum-daily-package
The minimum daily package covers the following services.
All tourists (excluding Indian, Bangladeshi and Maldivian passport holders) who wish to travel to Bhutan require a visa and must book their holiday through a Bhutanese tour operator or one of their international partners. The tour operator will take care of Visa arrangements for visitors. Learn more about visa requirements: http://www.tourism.gov.bt/plan/visa
In keeping with the Tourism Council of Bhutan’s policy of “High Value. Low Impact” tourism a Minimum Daily Package is required for tourists.
All visitors to Bhutan require a visa.
Indian, Bangladeshis and Maldivian nationals can obtain a visa at the port of entry on producing a valid passport with a minimum of 6 month validity (Indian nationals may also use their Voters Identity Card (VIC)).
All other tourists must obtain a visa clearance prior to travel to Bhutan. Visas are processed through an online system by Silver Dragon Adventures directly or through a foreign travel agent.
You are required to send the photo-page of your passport to us for visa application. Your passport must be valid for at least six months after your departure from Bhutan. Just email us the following information along with your photo page of your passport attached:
NAME / DATE OF BIRTH / ADDRESS
OCCUPATION / NATIONALITY
PASSPORT NUMBER / DATE OF ISSUE / DATE OF EXPIRY
PASSPORT COPY
The visa will be processed by the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) once the full payment of your holiday (including a USD $40 visa fee) has been wire transferred and received in the Silver Dragon Adventures bank account. Once received the visa clearance will be processed within 72 working hours.
At your point of entry you will be required to show your visa clearance letter, the visa will then be stamped into your passport.
Checklist
The following information acts as a guide when traveling to Bhutan. This practical advice is not a comprehensive list but should provide some useful information for you as you plan your travelling.
You should not travel internationally without travel insurance.
Bhutan’s currency is the Ngultrum (Nu.) It is at par with the Indian rupee which is accepted as legal tender in the country.
Note: INR (Indian Rupees) denominations of 500 and 1000 are not accepted in Bhutan.
ATMs are located within all main towns throughout Bhutan, where money can be withdrawn using a Visa or MasterCard. For concerned travelers a list of ATM locations throughout Bhutan is found here: http://www.bob.bt/contact-us/atm-locator/.
In addition, POS (Point of Sale) services are available nationwide, meaning visitors can pay by credit card at most hotels and handicrafts stores.
Financial institutions in Bhutan have been greatly enhanced and today we have a number of banks that cater to the needs of the people.
Some of the banks that you can avail of while in Bhutan are the Bank of Bhutan Limited, the Bhutan National Bank, the Druk PNB and the Tashi Bank. Traveller’s cheque can be easily withdrawn and exchanged for local currency. Many of these banks provide internet banking facilities.
All major towns are well connected with electricity that runs on 220/240 volts with round hole two-pin and three-pin power outlets.
It is recommended that you bring flat-to-round pin converters for your electronics if necessary, however, most hotels offer multi plug sockets. Bhutan is a carbon neutral destination. Our energy is clean and green generated by hydro power.
Bhutan experiences great variations in its climate. In general summers are warm with average daily temperature ranging from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius, while winter temperatures are usually below 15 degrees Celsius.
The northern regions of the country are colder than the more tropical south and it is recommended you pack accordingly. Trekkers will need to bring appropriate warm clothes and comfortable hiking boots (well broken in) preferably with ankle support and weather-proof to complement the weather and rugged terrain.
Others suggested items to pack:
• A pair of sunglasses
• Sunscreen lotion
• Hat
• Umbrella
• Camera
• Spare camera batteries
• Flash light (with spare batteries)
• Travel sickness tablets
• Antiseptic cream
• Anti-histamine cream
• Anti-diarrhea pills
• Altitude sickness medication it trekking above 3000m
• Insect repellent – See more at: http://www.tourism.gov.bt/travel-tips/travelling-kits#sthash.MKkF1ssp.dpuf
Bhutan offers immense opportunities for photography especially during outdoor sightseeing trips.
However you should check with your guide before taking pictures or filming inside Dzongs, temples, monasteries and religious institutions as in some area photograph/filming is not permitted.
You are free to capture images of the landscape, the panoramic views of the mountain ranges, rural life, flora and fauna, distinctive Bhutanese architecture and the exterior of Dzongs and Chortens in particular.
Some popular handicraft items available for purchase are hand-woven textiles of raw silk or silk, carved masks of various animals, woven baskets of cane and bamboo, wooden bowls known as Dapas, handmade paper products or finely crafted gods of silver. Other items you may be interested in are the exquisite Buddhist thangkha paintings or Bhutan’s wide array of colourful and creative postage stamps. You can come across these items in the many handicraft shops in and around Thimphu and in other major towns. Please remember that buying and selling of antiques is strictly forbidden in Bhutan.
Tipping is a purely personal matter. We leave it up to you as to whether you want to give a gratuity to your guides and drivers. However, if doing so, we recommend that you place the gratuity in an envelope.
The following articles are exempt from duty:
(a) Personal effects and articles for day to day use by the visitor
(b) 1 litre of alcohol (spirits or wine)
(c) 200 cigarettes, on payment of import duty of 200%
(d) Instruments, apparatus or appliances for professional use
(e) Photographic equipment, video cameras and other electronic goods for personal use
You have to complete the passenger declaration form at your port of entry.
Visitors are advised to be cautious in purchasing old and used items, especially of religious or cultural significance, as such items may not be exported without a clearance certificate.
If importing any items to Bhutan which are for sale or gift, they may be liable for customs duty. On departure, visitors are required to fill out a departure form, which will be asked for by Customs authorities.
Import/export of the following goods is strictly prohibited:
(a) Arms, ammunition and explosives
(b) All narcotics and drugs except medically prescribed drugs
(c) Wildlife products, especially those of endangered species
(d) Antiques
Imports of plants, soils etc. are subject to quarantine regulations. These items must be cleared on arrival.
The country has a good network of telecommunication facilities. Most hotels and cafe’s offer Wi-Fi internet access. Bhutan has a comprehensive mobile (cell) phone network with global roaming also assessable.
Bhutanese speak a variety of languages with Dzongkha being the national language and one of the most widely spoken. English is also spoken by the majority of Bhutanese making communication very easy. It is encouraged to speak with the local Bhutanese, especially in the urban areas and towns, as it will enhance your knowledge on Bhutan.
Bhutan has a good team of interpreters and licenced guides that are well versed in local history and possess good communication skills. All guides are tested and certified by the Tourism Council of Bhutan. Guides are available who are fluent in Japanese, Thai, Spanish and other European languages.
With great attitudinal variations, weather is quite mixed in Bhutan. So be prepared to face the unforeseen weather conditions.
We expect visitors to dress modestly and respectfully especially if you are planning a visit to the monasteries, Dzongs and other religious institutions. Long pants and long sleeved tops should be worn when visiting such places. As a mark of respect, be kind enough to remove your hats, caps etc. as you enter religious and administrative premises, institutions and in any other place that you come across with the national flag being raised.
The standard time is 6 hours ahead of GMT.
Before embarking on a trip to Bhutan, please seek advice from your doctor with regard to vaccinations and appropriate medication you should have prior to your travels. As a minimum you should have tetanus, typhoid and hepatitis A inoculations.
Bhutan is one of the safest countries in the world however you should still exercise caution when visiting. Please ensure that your belongings especially your passports, cameras, wallets and purses are properly secured. Please refrain from leaving such items within sight in locked vehicles while sightseeing.
Avoid drinking tap water which has not been boiled or ice cubes in drinks at all times as most water sources in Bhutan are untreated. One can easily acquire affordable treated and bottled water.
Also, Bhutan has a duty to protect its citizens from drugs and tobacco products. To do this we need your help and cooperation. Please co-operate if stopped and asked about your baggage. Please do not carry tobacco goods in excess of the set limit. For more information please see following link. Tobacco Control Act. www.bnca.gov.bt
The Bhutanese visa process may appear complicated, but is actually quite straight forward once you understand the system. Most countries issue visas from their embassies abroad and stamp it in your passport, but not Bhutan. Bhutanese embassies abroad cannot issue Visas for visit to Bhutan. You must apply in advance through a tour operator such as Every Nation Tours and trek and receive approval before you travel to Bhutan. once the full payment of your holiday (including a USD $40 visa fee) has been wire transferred and received in the TCB bank account then only visas are approved by the Immigration Department and Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) in Thimphu, which you allowed to enter Bhutan or board the Druk Air flight and Bhutan Airlines.
The actual visa is stamped on the passport upon arrival in the country, either at Paro airport or (if entering by road) at Phuentsholing. You just need to provide us details as per your passport that should include your name, permanent address, occupation, nationality, date and place of birth, passport number, more than six months valid and its date and place of issue and date of expiration. There is no need to send the pictures or sign the visa application at this time. Double-check that the information you send is correct; if there are any discrepancies when you arrive in Bhutan, there will be further delays and complications.
With the exception of visitors from India, Bangladesh and Maldives, all other visitors to Bhutan need a visa.
Indian, Bangladeshis and Maldivian nationals can obtain a visa or entry permit at the port of entry on producing a valid passport with a minimum of 6 month validity (Indian nationals may also use their Voters Identity Card (VIC)).
Swiss And Bhutan Official Can Travel Without Visa 90 Days.
Bhutan and Switzerland looks alike with the scenery. Swiss and Bhutanese has long diplomacy tie in friendship and has assisted Bhutan in most of its development project. Bhutan and Swiss official can travel without visa, this means that Bhutanese and Swiss officials may travel liberally to each other’s country.
Diplomacy: Bhutanese and Swiss officials and diplomats will not require visa to travel to either country after the governments signed a visa exemption agreement on Oct 8, 2014.
Switzerland is the first country outside the region to sign such an agreement with Bhutan. Until now, visa is exempted for diplomatic and official passport holders from Bangladesh, Maldives, Thailand and India.
Foreign secretary Yeshey Dorji, who signed the agreement with the Swiss ambassador, said this was an exclusive arrangement given to Bhutan.
“The visa exemption will greatly facilitate official travel between the two countries and strengthen contacts and cooperation,” he said, adding that Switzerland is one of the oldest development partners that continue to support the country.
Foreign ministry officials said that Bhutanese, who need to attend urgent meetings in Switzerland, the hub of many international organizations, could now do so without any inconvenience.
Ambassador of Switzerland to Bhutan, Linus von Castelmur, said the visa requirement waiver for officials and diplomats is an expression of trust and solidarity between the two countries, and of the desire to further strengthen friendly relations.
Official and diplomats would be permitted to stay for a period of up to 90 days without visa.
The agreement does not extend to business travelers and tourists. Swiss tourists would require a tourist visa and be subject to the royalty as usual.
Bhutan and Switzerland formally established diplomatic relations in 1985. Development cooperation started from 1960s.
The ambassador said many bilateral partnerships have formed over the years. “An active exchange between the judiciary of our countries is taking place, as part of which Bhutanese students are obtaining legal degrees from Swiss Universities for the first time,” ambassador Linus von Castelmur said.
“Bhutan has changed impressively in the past 30 years. Creativity and new thinking is required to continuously develop this partnership for the next 30 years,” he said, adding that he wishes to continue political dialogue and more professional and economic exchanges in future.